A DESOLATE hotel in Cherwell could be turned into houses after sitting empty for five years.

At a meeting on Thursday, Cherwell District Council’s planning committee gave permission for Otmoor Lodge in Horton-cum-Studley to become four new homes.

Previously, permission was granted for development but lapsed when no construction had been started by 2009.

Councillors felt that, as this would not be a new build but rather a change of use, it was acceptable to allow development within the Oxford Green Belt.

Cherwell District Council’s lead member for planning Michael Gibbard said: “In 2006 Cherwell granted permission for the site to house the shops, post office, hotel extension and four homes.

“However this was never progressed and for the past five years the hotel has stood empty.

“Despite residents calling for the building to be used as a pub for the community, this has never materialised.

“Therefore, as the site has never offered a community service, this application will not remove any existing communal facilities from the locals. However, it will bring this prominent building back to life and provide a unique housing opportunity for the future residents.”

Planned for the site are a two-bedroom apartment, one three-bedroom apartment and two four-bedroom apartments. Each would have a garden and parking to the front of the site.

A condition of planning consent gives applicants BA Property Management Ltd three years to begin construction.